R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
